Arizona Rattlers

Defending champ Rattlers reach ArenaBowl

PHOENIX — Nick Davila threw eight touchdown passes and the defending champion Arizona Rattlers advanced to their third straight ArenaBowl, beating the Spokane Shock 65-57 on Saturday night in the National Conference championship

The Rattlers, seeking their fourth Arena Football League title, will face the Philadelphia Soul on Friday night in Orlando, Fla., in a rematch of last year's title game. Philadelphia beat Jacksonville on Saturday night in the American Conference.

Davila completed 24 of 42 passes for 294 yards. Maurice Purify had six catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns, and Tysson Poots caught nine passes for 96 yards and three scores.

Erik Mayer threw seven touchdown passes and also had a scoring run for Spokane. Bran Thompkins caught 11 passes for 184 yards and five touchdowns.